|
The union made a number of concessions, as did the City and a tentative agreement was reached. The proposal was
<br /> ratified overwhelmingly by the membership.
<br /> The agreement calls for a retroactive salary increase of 3.4% effective 7/1/02, a 3% increase effective 7/1/03, and a 3%
<br /> on 7/1/04. A number of health plan changes were agreed to including a change to a three-tiered prescription plan
<br /> 'increase
<br /> that will reduce the cost of the health insurance plan. Additionally, changes were made in the provisions governing shift
<br /> holiday usage which should reduce the City's cost in that area.
<br /> Both the EPEA's and the City's bargaining teams worked hard to reach settlement. It took cooperation and compromise
<br /> on both sides to make an agreement possible. For further information, please contact Helen Towle, Chief Negotiator, at
<br /> 682-5110.
<br /> EWEB, Lane County Human Services Commission, and City of Eugene Form Partnership
<br /> Thanks to the generosity of EWEB and the Lane County Human Services Commission, the Senior Outreach Program at
<br /> Campbell Senior Center is intact for one more year. Due to budget cuts, this program was slated for discontinuation;
<br /> however, EWEB's contribution of$12,000, along with the additional revenue generated by the re-negotiated fuel
<br /> assistance contract with Lane County, have ensured at least a temporary extension of this valuable service to our senior
<br /> citizens.
<br /> Campbell Senior Center, the only multi-purpose senior center in Eugene, offers a friendly familiar atmosphere where low-
<br /> income seniors are directed to resources which allow them to meet their basic needs. Campbell patrons are shown how to
<br /> use energy assistance programs, such as EWEB's Energy Share and Lane County's LIEAP (Low Income Energy
<br /> Assistance Program), connected to transportation options such as Ride Source, given assistance with bill payments; and
<br /> directed toward a variety of other programs, such as SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Food Stamps and the Senior
<br /> Companion Program. Colleen Heaton, Senior Outreach Worker, deserves significant recognition for the success of this
<br /> service.
<br /> Randy Berggren, Chuck Dalton and the entire EWEB crew deserve recognition for their cooperation, concern and
<br /> willingness to provide relief for Eugene's aging population, many of whom are seriously affected by the drastic reduction in
<br /> Medicaid funding. EWEB helps the City work out payment methods and provide alternative options for seniors in need.
<br /> (,For further information, contact Rita Kingsbury, Campbell Senior Center Manager, at 682-6393.
<br /> Trail Work Party at Hendricks Park This Saturday
<br /> On Saturday, July 19, volunteers will complete the
<br /> work they began in May on the construction and • , •
<br /> ter
<br /> restoration of the historic oak knoll trail in Hendricks ;111.01r*
<br /> a `
<br /> Park. Work will involve laying more gravel and - _ , ,. i , «,
<br /> putting finishing touches on the trail. Other work , ` '�•
<br /> includes habitat restoration projects in the forest,
<br /> such as removing herb Robert, English ivy and " V
<br /> blackberry, all invasive plants. All volunteers are • `> ; *-' f ;,
<br /> P €
<br /> invited to meet at the F.M. Wilkins Shelter on Summit `
<br /> Avenue at 9:30 a.m. for pastries and coffee courtesy qie; ' >,
<br /> of Eugene City Bakery and the Friends of Hendricks - •..%•••• •
<br /> •` ° .
<br /> Park before the work begins. "`'
<br /> •
<br /> E; a
<br /> Much of the trail was completed on May 31 during a
<br /> project coordinated by REI, the Friends of Hendricks
<br /> Park and City of Eugene parks staff. The oak knoll ' ;,_n_,.._'.-
<br /> area is a remnant of oak woodland habitat that once
<br /> encompassed much of the Willamette Valley, but is
<br /> now very rare and considered globally endangered. A wealth of native plant species live in the understory of this highly
<br /> sensitive ecosystem. Every effort is being made to protect this sensitive plant community during trail and habitat
<br /> restoration work. For more information, call Michael Robert, Hendricks Park Head Gardener, at 682-5324.
<br /> ILPlay Area to be Built at Mathews Community Garden
<br /> :,ommunity volunteers will continue the process of building a new play area at Mathews Community Garden this Saturday
<br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br /> July 17,2003
<br />
|